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Monday, July 16, 2012

Juicy Bits of Life

The last six weeks flew by. I can't believe that this week is the last for Summer of Color 2. It has been really fun each week to use ice cream flavors for inspiration...something a little different and I can't wait to see what Kristin has coming next summer. Not only is she a fabulous mixed media artist, but a super sweet hostess as well. You know each week as we link up, there is a chance to win a fantastic arty prize! Now you know I love to add to my supply hoarding artsy collection...well, this last week I won the giveaway!! I am SO excited to play with my new goodies when they get here and thank you Kristin (again!).

This last week's flavor of choice - Watermelon Ice.

I had a hard time with this one at first because I don't typically use a lot of red. I like the way it looks when other people use it. But, it is not a color I naturally reach for. It sure does look good though! :)

First, I looked through all my stuff and collected things I thought I may want to use. I do like limiting myself with only a few colors. Using a different color, like red, gave me a chance to pull out some things that I normally would pass by.

I decided I wanted to draw one of my girlies holding stacked watermelon. I really like how my rainbow sherbert girl had turned out, so I thought I would make another. I drew her using a cheap mechanical pencil (hello, Dollar Tree) and gave it a spray of Workable Fixative to keep the pencil in one place. (Sometimes I use the spray and other times I don't. If I paint directly onto the surface without spraying it first, the graphite will move around quite a bit.)

I wanted a smooth, even texture so I covered the page with gesso. I use gesso a lot - not just for surface prep. Do you use gesso a lot? I love that I can prep a piece with it, blend with it, push color back with it, soften collage lines, add texture, and mix color with it. I have heard, "not all gesso is created equal." What do you think about that? Do you have a favorite brand?? I love my Liquitex. :)

Sooooo, my little Watermelon Princess is done. I added a third color. It is NO big surprise that I snagged turquoise. My gosh, I AM a creature of habit. But, hey...I am using red! I also added the phrase...Savor the juiciest bits of life. I love that. These words are a great reminder to me. Life is full of yummy bits and pieces...so many times I overlook them or maybe I don't see the beauty in them until they are over.

Now, I have started a larger abstract using red, black, and white. I have just laid down the foundation... old bible pages, pretty black & white damask scrapbook paper, sparkly paper flowers, a flower border from a Brave Girls letter, some stamps, and of course some paint. I am not sure where it will take me...but, that is half the fun!

Have a beautiful beginning to the week and come see all the red happiness right here!

Your watermelon girl is so cute - and I totally agree with the sentiment, definitely one to remember. I really like your background page too.

I use gallons of gesso - I don't have a particular preference, although I tend to go for the 'named' ones (Daler-Rowney, Windsor + Newton etc). It's cheap enough (especially if bought in larger quantities) to not bother with the cheap makes, which can be a bit watery or gloopy.